Community Link Newsletter: March 28-April 4, 2024

The Cultural Terrace at the Great Park Begins

At its March 26 meeting, the Great Park Board and City Council voted to approve the lease agreements for Pretend City Children’s Museum and Orange County Music & Dance. These agreements will pave the way for the development of the Cultural Terrace at the Great Park into one of Southern California’s most dynamic cultural, historical, educational, and arts centers. 

Pretend City Children's Museum and Orange County Music & Dance will begin welcoming visitors in the summer of 2026 as part of a unified campus that maximizes sustainable buildings and landscapes. 

Once completed, the Cultural Terrace will include 200,000 square feet of cutting-edge museum, educational, and performing arts facilities. It is all part of the Great Park Framework plan, which lays out the vision for the Great Park to become one of the largest parks in the country. See the vision for the future here.

Jeffrey Open Space Trail Project Set for Completion

A new Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is on its way to Irvine after the City of Irvine and Senator Dave Min broke ground on a 1.5-mile extension of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail (JOST). Running from Barranca to I-5, this bridge will complement the JOST, which currently stretches 3.5 miles through the heart of Irvine. 

JOST will run through Senate District 37 and link existing bike and pedestrian trails. The JOST bridge will be located south of and adjacent to Jeffrey Road. It is almost 1,200 feet long, and 15 feet wide, spanning the Interstate 5, the Caltrans Park & Ride parking lot, and Walnut Avenue. 

Sen. Min secured $14.5 million for this critical element of the region’s open space plan. Construction will take approximately two years, and the bridge should be open for public use by early 2026. Learn more on our website. 

New Residential Solid Waste Agreement

The City of Irvine has entered into a new contract agreement with the solid waste hauler WM, formerly Waste Management. The new contract, which goes into effect April 1, offers reduced rates for residential low-waste generators and seniors. It also offers a bulky item collection program for residents, and a complimentary valet service for those who have a physical disability.

These rates are among the lowest in Orange County and will remain in effect until July 1, 2025. The new contract will also ensure that Irvine’s rates continue to remain among the lowest in the County.

Additionally, compostable and paper bags are now allowed to be used when recycling organics in your green cart.

For more information, you can view the WM rates and learn more about organic recycling at cityofirvine.org/sb1383.

Four New Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Installed

Need to charge your car? The City of Irvine has you covered, now with four new fast electric vehicle charging stations at Trabuco Center.

The newest chargers were installed in partnership with Eneridge. They are compatible with all fast-charge-capable electric vehicles and play a critical element in the City's efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. 

Throughout Irvine, there are more than 900 EV chargers. For information on locations and to learn more about electric vehicles, please visit cityofirvine.org/driveelectric.

Interactive Road Construction Map

The City of Irvine has implemented interactive maps designed to keep residents and community members informed about ongoing and upcoming road construction and capital improvement projects throughout the City.

This innovative tool is part of the City's commitment to transparency and ensuring that the public remains well-informed about infrastructure developments that may affect daily commutes and local travel.

View the road construction map and capital improvement projects map, or explore the variety of GIS maps available at cityofirvine.org/gis. You can also sign up to receive email alerts about upcoming road construction in our weekly newsletter.

Join the Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K

Ready to get active and help animals in need? Animal lovers, runners, and walkers are invited to participate in the 2024 Irvine Animal Care Center Virtual 5K.

The 5K is completed at a self-timed pace at any location and can be completed April 1-30. Participate by submitting an entry fee of $35. Racers who complete the Virtual 5K will receive an exclusive medal and certificate. Furry companions eager to join the fun can participate in the Virtual 5K alongside their humans for an additional $8 and will receive their very own medal.

All proceeds go toward special programs at the Irvine Animal Care Center. Visit irvineanimals.org/5k for more information and to submit your entry fee. For questions, call the Irvine Animal Care Center at 949-724-7740.

This Week in DE&I

There are many cultural and religious holidays celebrated and recognized throughout our community this month. Learn about some of the significant dates being observed in Irvine below and on our DE&I calendar.

March 31: Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar and is observed by billions of people worldwide. According to the story, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and buried in a tomb. On the third day after his death, which is now celebrated as Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating his victory over sin and death.

March 31: Cesar Chavez Day 

Cesar Chavez Day is observed on March 31 every year in honor of Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. He advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and union rights for farm workers, and his efforts helped to improve the lives of many workers in the agricultural industry. Cesar Chavez Day is a state holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas. 

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